Awards Criteria
The Specialty Food Association’s annual Leadership Awards honor people whose impact is felt across the industry. We look to recognize those who are going above and beyond everyday business for their employees, their communities, and the greater good. These are exceptional individuals who champion specialty food and exemplify the good within our larger community.
Leadership Award categories include:
- Equity & Opportunity
- For demonstrating business leadership in advancing best practices in the food industry to create economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for food industry personnel (e.g., employee benefits, equitable practices, diversity and inclusion, engaging and motivating employees in innovative ways.)
- Citizenship
- For improving the lives of people and communities through ethical business practices or philanthropic work (e.g., hunger relief, literacy, childhood nutrition)
- Vision & Sustainability 
- For pioneering innovative approaches and sustainable practices in production, packaging, and waste reduction to drive environmental
stewardship and create forward-thinking business models.
- For pioneering innovative approaches and sustainable practices in production, packaging, and waste reduction to drive environmental
- Outstanding Buyer
- For championing specialty foods through excellence in product sourcing, merchandising, marketing, or mentoring of food companies.
- Next Generation Leader
- For dynamic individuals 35 and under who are driving innovation, fostering growth, and making a substantial impact within the specialty food industry.
- Volunteer of the Year
- For the SFA volunteer who demonstrates exceptional dedication, leadership, and impact, contributing significant time and expertise to advance the specialty food industry and inspire others. (To be selected by SFA leadership)
Nominees must be current members of the SFA but can be submitted by any food industry community member. Nomination submissions will not be accepted from PR companies, marketing firms, publicists, or other nominating entities of a similar type. Winners will be profiled in the winter issue of Specialty Food magazine and recognized at the Winter Fancy Food Show.
SFA Board Members may not be nominated during their active terms.
Nominations for 2025 honorees are now open until February 28, 2025.